Three Trends In Global Migration: Safety, Lifestyle And Location

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As global mobility reshapes the wealth planning strategies of high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs) and governments recognize the value of attracting global investors with strategic golden visas, I believe 2026 is proving to be an apex year in global migration patterns.

According to Harvey Law Corporation, the United Kingdom and China are among the countries experiencing a documented wave of wealth migration, with "millionaire migration" becoming a major opportunity for other countries to meet the needs of this growing global class.

With 128,000 millionaire relocations in 2025, it is more paramount than ever for investment migration experts to understand the key drivers of this phenomenon, including security, lifestyle and location.

Security

In an era when global uncertainty is rising, an increasing number of high-net-worth families are treating residency itself as a strategic security move. The shift to traditionally stable countries serves to safeguard assets and legacies from potential geopolitical risks. Events such as trade wars and global pandemics are key factors that drive millionaires to pursue more secure places for their money, which is how many end up opting for economies rooted in stability.

When connecting with clients on the non-negotiables, I see the following factors as credited time and again as essential to a safe and secure lifestyle: a low crime rate, a reliable police force and an advanced public healthcare system.

Lifestyle

Clients are looking for what we have coined "lifestyle-plus," which centers around the opportunity to combine an investment with a genuine connection in a new corner of the world. The rise of roles such as "luxury migration advisor" signals the importance the ultra-wealthy place on belonging and legacy.

It is key for a destination to offer a lifestyle rooted in quality and possibility, which I’ve found are core tenets to Americans in particular.

• From Tourist To Citizen: Beyond a country’s sophisticated cities, clients are often seeking a serene and relaxed lifestyle rooted in a country’s natural environment. This predilection is often best illustrated by the tourist-to-citizen pipeline.

• A 'Smart' Move: A globally respected education system with consistently high rankings is a top factor for families with young children.

• Work Life Balance: According to Remote in an announcement of the top countries for work-life balance in 2025, key factors include annual leave, healthcare, public safety and hours worked per week.

Location

Clients aren’t just investing in the economy but in the geographical landscape. Locations that offer natural beauty, open space and access to adventure are as important as a country’s stability, safety and sense of community.

It is little surprise then that top destinations for HNWIs tend to be coastal, infused with culture and have culinary traditions that help provide a sense of community. It is in this context that programs in places like New Zealand, Portugal and Greece continue to stand out.

New Zealand’s Active Investor Plus visa continues to see compounding growth with a significant increase in inquiries following recent rule changes permitting foreign investors to buy homes worth at least $5 million.

Portugal, especially with its recent creation of the LXL Ventures fund, which targets U.S. investors exclusively, has long established its supremacy in the European Union for attracting wealthy migrants. In a similar vein, Greece’s golden visa program remains popular for its residency and property investment opportunities.

Each of these programs offers not only a secure and structured route but also the kind of natural beauty and cultural depth that increasingly drive HNWI decision-making.

The Human Decisions Behind Migration

While these trends help guide the types of investment funds and golden visa offerings available across the globe, it is important to remember that relocation to this degree is not a quick decision for HNWI.

The process for each family is extremely personal, and a human-first approach in navigating these considerations is key to ensuring a move that feels seamless and deeply aligned with each applicant’s long-term lifestyle goals.